Brian O’Connor

1 BRIAN O’CONNOR Question 1: What is Noosa Council’s vision for Pomona, and the northern hinterland more generally, in the areas of economic development and diversification, rural enterprise and nature- based tourism? Response by Kerri Coyle, Acting Director Environment & Sustainable Development: The current Local Economic Development Plan outlines the vision and plans for the Noosa Shire and specifies 68 actions. A core principle of the Plan is diversification. The Rural and Food sector is listed as a priority sector and multiple activities have been completed or are underway. A rural and food sector profile was published in 2018, ‘A Taste for Noosa’, Tourism Noosa has continued to expand the Noosa Country Drive product and work is continuing on the Noosa Trail Network. Country Noosa, Slow Food Noosa and the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) continue to be very active and work collaboratively with Noosa Council teams. The proposed New Noosa Plan includes a number of changes that support and enable increased opportunities for nature-based tourism activity and accommodation. Pomona and the Northern Hinterland is included as part of the listed activities and planning changes. Question 2: What actions does the Council believe it should take, and in what timeframe, to bring about the vision? Response by Kerri Coyle, Acting Director Environment & Sustainable Development: The Local Economic Plan (LEP) and new Planning Scheme provisions are already contributing to a more sustainable, connected and active Hinterland. The LEP and associated 68 actions will be reviewed, beginning in 2020, providing an opportunity for considered input and comment. The new Planning Scheme introduces a placed based approach for Local Plan Areas including Hinterland villages such as Pomona. The Strategic framework states, “A place based approach to planning is intended to protect and preserve these unique, distinct and vibrant local areas. While the community of Noosa Shire shares many values and priorities, the on the ground approach to land use planning, infrastructure provision, urban design, community and economic development differs from place to place.” The 2020-21 Council budget will be an important contributor to Council achieving the economic vision of increased diversity across the Noosa Shire including the Hinterland. The recently announced expanded community consultation process will provide plenty of opportunity for comment and input. In addition, the budget also includes funding to develop and commence a place based process in early 2020 where Council will work with Local Areas and towns over the coming years to take a more localised planning approach. The Economic Development Manager and team are available to meet and discuss.